Honor Diamond Owens' Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 1598 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Diamond Owens upon the occasion of being named a New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs 2019 Youth of the Year Finalist WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Diamond Owens upon the occasion of being named a New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs 2019 Youth of the Year Finalist, to be observed at its Celebration Dinner on Monday, May 20, 2019; and WHEREAS, Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teenagers; members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles, truly exemplifying the critical impact this vital organization has made on the lives of young people; and WHEREAS, After a difficult time in her life, Diamond Owens became a member of the Troy Boys & Girls Club, where she has learned that she is valuable and strong, and when things get tough, to persevere and stand up for herself; and WHEREAS, Diamond Owens is an active participant of The Block Center, a program which helps to build good character through values such as commitment, honor, action, respect, credibility, trust, empowerment and resilience; she assists the younger members as a junior mentor and helps organize meals; and WHEREAS, Last year, Diamond Owens volunteered her time and energy serving food, cleaning up and engaging young people at Unity in The Community, a picnic series geared toward stopping violence in the City of Troy; and WHEREAS, Diamond Owens maintains a healthy lifestyle by eating wholesome snacks and dancing; she is usually one of the first girls to get up and assist with stretching before the class begins to work out; and WHEREAS, Since the first day she walked through the doors of the Troy Boys & Girls Club, Diamond Owens has thought about ways to better represent herself and her Club; through this vital organization, she has learned and lived; each and every day, she strives to make an impact; and WHEREAS, After high school, Diamond Owens plans to attend culinary school in the hopes of opening her own restaurant some day; she wants to provide youth with a higher quality of food choices and educate her community on the importance of healthy options; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Diamond Owens now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers, coaches and loved ones; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Diamond Owens upon the occasion of being named a New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs 2019 Youth of the Year Finalist; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Diamond Owens.